Radiological Preparedness

The mission of the Office of Radiological Emergency Preparedness is to provide first responder and volunteer radiological training and support to protect the health and safety of the general public and the environment. The Office of Radiological Emergency Preparedness assists federal, state, tribal and local agencies in the response to events involving the release of radiological materials in the environment. The Office of Radiological Emergency Preparedness is uniquely qualified to be an integral partner in the success of the state of Mississippi’s Domestic Radiological Preparedness Program.

The Office of Radiological Emergency Preparedness provides radiological emergency response training to state, tribal, and local agencies through the Radiological Emergency Preparedness Program, Waste Isolation Pilot Program and Modular Emergency Response Radiological Transportation Training Program. The Office of Radiological Emergency Preparedness accomplishes this by coordinating and conducting outreach activities with other federal agencies and state, local and tribal governments to the degree practical. This includes initial interface with these entities for joint participation in training, drills, exercises and support for domestic preparedness.

The single biggest threat to the country is the possibility of a terrorist attack against a nuclear power facility, transportation or our critical infrastructure. Recognizing this vulnerability to our citizens is essential in order to address it proactively. The Office of Radiological Emergency Preparedness program assists state, local, tribal governments and federal agencies prepare for a radiological emergency in the state of Mississippi that can:

Mitigate the effects that a radiological or hostile action type of emergency could have on the safety and well-being of the citizens of Mississippi.

Identify and initiate actions in coordination with federal, state and local agencies necessary for government and the residents affected to be prepared to effectively respond when nuclear emergencies arise.

Provide for timely response to these events.

Set forth the governance that will result in both short term and long term recovery.

The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency recognizes its responsibilities with regard to the public’s safety and well-being. The Office of Radiological Emergency Preparedness recognizes these responsibilities as well and maintains the programs to train, drill and exercise state, local and private entities in the implementation of the state’s radiological emergency preparedness program.

If you live in an area that could be affected by an incident at either of the two nuclear facilities, sirens in your area will alert you that an incident has occurred.

When the sirens are sounded, the Emergency Alert System will be activated and instructions given on how to respond as to whether or not they should take shelter or evacuate.

REMEMBER – hearing a siren or tone alert does not mean evacuate. It simply means turn on your radio and listen for instructions.

Stay tuned to your radio, remain calm and follow instructions!

Appropriate emergency actions (shelter in place, evacuations) will be taken before there is any danger to the public’s health and safety.

If Ordered to Shelter in Place:

Stay tuned to your radio, remain calm and follow instructions!

Remain in your home.

Close all doors and windows.

Turn off all outside sources of air.

Close fireplaces.

Use phone only during a personal emergency.

Stay tuned to local radio station.

If Ordered to Evacuate:

Stay tuned to your radio, remain calm and follow instructions!

Turn off appliances (except refrigerators and freezers) and faucets.

Close all blinds and curtains.

Check your home for security.

Lock the doors.

Tie a white cloth on or near the front door to show that you have left.

Check with your neighbors to see if they are able to leave.

Place your Public Information Brochure on your dash board so you can be identified by emergencies workers.

Items to Bring if You are Ordered to Evacuated (if needed):

For more information about the Office of Radiological Emergency Preparedness, contact Robert Goldsmith, the Radiological Emergency Preparedness Office Director at 601-933-6366 or rgoldsmith@mema.ms.gov